Singapore issues guidance on armed security personnel
Noting that vessels face continued threats from Somali-based pirates, the Marine and Port Authority of Singapore has issued new guidance on the use of armed guards on Singapore-registered ships.
The new circular, a revision of a similar document released in June 2011, reiterates guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), including a warming that privately contracted security personnel (PCSP) should not be considered an alternative to using Best Management Practices as detailed by the IMO.
Best management practices for transit of the High Risk Area in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia include adding extra lookouts, installing physical barriers, moving at full speed, and alerting both the Royal Maritime Trade Organisation and the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa before traveling through the area.
"Singapore law does not prohibit the use of armed security personnel on board Singapore-registered ships, although the carriage and use of firearms and ammunition on board Singapore-registered ships is not encouraged given the potential escalation of violence and increased risks of crew injury and fatality," the circular says.
The guidelines also note that crew members or hired security personnel are liable under Singapore law if they use their arms without lawful excuse.
Ship owners can decide to use PCASP at their own discretion after thoroughly assessing the risks they face and ensuring that all practical means of self-protection are used.
Last week pirates hijacked a ship in Malaysian waters close to Singapore and attempted to syphon off and sell its bunkers.
As of the end of August, there had been 210 pirate attacks worldwide in 2012, and pirates held 11 vessels and 188 hostages at that time, according to the International Chamber of Commerce Commercial Crime Services (ICC-CCS).
The attacks resulted in 23 hijackings, with 70 of the attacks and more than half of the hijackings taking place in Somalia.